Generic vs. Name Brands

[zette965]

Sometimes I even like the generic brand more than the name brand, like I like rice crispers more than name brand.  But things like ranch you have to get the name brand, you can tell the difference, also with soda. But most things I barely notice a difference and feel like you are paying for packaging and a name almost, not really for a better product.

[bshee58]

If Generic is better than name brands then yes, I would prefer generic.

[ancmetro]

   It is a matter of personal choice.
   Brand names are expensive because of patents and copyrights
   and the related expenses the company has to pay in ads and
   marketing to keep their brand name going.
   There is little of that in generic products.
   Choose what product works best for you and then decide.

[annadote]

I grew up eating generic/store brands and really don't buy anything else to this day. I try to save money in any way that I can so I go generic.

[dwggs]

I buy generic brand in some things.  But just like you said there are some products that a name brand is the best tasting.

[brian8713]

I'm usually comfortable with generics. They're usually made by the same company anyway. BUT, if it's cheaper with a coupon, I always get name brand. Name brand must-have for me: cheese. Everything else I'm willing to get an off-brand if the price is right.

[countrygirl12]

For me, there are some foods, no matter what they are, that I have to buy name brand, such as sodas, certain salad dressings, mayo and snacks. Is there anyone else out there who have to spend an extra dollar and get name brand?

It depends.  I may have already responded but don't want to read all the comments to find out. lol

Name brands are better in food on a lot of stuff. Some stuff is not a big difference.  I buy the Walmart brand of cheddar cheese.  But the swiss sliced cheese I can tell a huge difference in the generic and the name brands. The same with a lot of the other stuff.  Some of it I would rather not have anything as to have the generic.

I bought the generic washing detergent a few times and it doesn't do as good of a job in getting clothes clean.  I still buy a lower grade than Tide or the most expensive brand but I don't buy the super cheap Dollar Tree stuff any more either.

[thoughtparticles]

It depends upon the item in question. When it comes to crackers, most of the store brands I've tried are as good or better than name brand. Cereal can vary wildly, but in general, I actually prefer store brand Cherrios over the real thing.  Soft drinks... HAVE to be a name brand for me, the store brands usually taste flat or as if they're missing something. Again, it just depends.

[Kiraleen]

For me, there are some foods, no matter what they are, that I have to buy name brand, such as sodas, certain salad dressings, mayo and snacks. Is there anyone else out there who have to spend an extra dollar and get name brand?

Oh, yes. Peanut butter, ketchup, some salad dressings (like you said) and definitely sodas. On the other hand, there's a few store-brand items that I actually prefer to name brand ones. Kroger's brownie mix is still my go-to choice.

[potluck6]

as far as medicine goes off brands are the same and cost so much less. I  will only buy cheerios and lays or ruffles chips.

[sak4kat]

I purchases mostly store brand.  I don't think store brand is always generic so to speak.  In fact there are many products I prefer store brand over name brand. Naproxen, bread, butter, powdered sugar (just to name a few) There are some name brand items  I prefer but that's for things I don't really need or even want to buy any longer.  Doritos for instance.  If I'm going to eat a nacho cheese chip I'm gonna make it worth it.

[teenangel]

there are certain things i would buy generic but other things i will not

[mardukblood2009]

To me it just depends what it is. Something like medicine I will always get the generic but somethings like soda I would always go with the brand name.

[JediJohnnie]

In most cases I'll just get the store brand. The difference is usually negligible. If the price is the same, I might get the name brand. 

[alice44]

I buy a LOT of generic items.  They are cheaper and so often the esame.  If I try it and don't like it,I go back to the original, but have found MANY generic as good as brand names.